Deadline: 08-Apr-2026
The Iris Prize 2026 supports young people aged 14–24 who lead initiatives that protect and restore nature in their communities. The programme emphasizes youth leadership, autonomy, environmental impact, collaboration with organisations, and the safety and wellbeing of participants. Grants of $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000 are available for projects at different stages of development.
Overview of the Iris Prize
The Iris Prize is a global programme designed to empower young environmental leaders. It focuses on supporting projects led by youth that contribute to the protection and restoration of nature, uphold the rights of people defending the environment, and foster youth autonomy in decision-making. The programme also encourages collaboration with NGOs or organisations when needed while ensuring young leaders maintain full control over their projects. Safety and wellbeing of participants, particularly minors, is a key priority.
Who is Eligible
Eligibility criteria are focused on youth leadership and environmental impact. The majority of the leadership team must be youth, and the project must be directed by young people who hold genuine autonomy and decision-making authority. Applicants must support the principle of protecting and restoring nature and respect the rights of individuals and communities defending the environment. Projects connected to larger organisations, charities, or NGOs may apply, provided the youth leader maintains full independence in decisions and project direction. Minors must collaborate with a local organisation or NGO as a fiscal sponsor to manage grant funds and provide financial administration support.
Programme Focus Areas
The Iris Prize prioritises: youth leadership, environmental protection and restoration, collaboration with supportive organisations, autonomy in project management, and safety and wellbeing of participants. Projects are evaluated based on their innovation, impact potential, and the extent of youth-led decision-making. The programme ensures young people are empowered to lead while receiving the necessary structural support if required.
Prize Categories and Funding
The Iris Prize offers funding tailored to different stages of project development:
Seed Prize – $5,000: For individuals or teams aged 14–24 with a groundbreaking idea to protect or restore nature in their local community.
Stem Prize – $10,000: For projects led by young people aged 16–24 that are recently established and operating on a small scale.
Iris Prize – $15,000: For established projects led by individuals aged 16–24 that demonstrate potential to grow, replicate, and expand their impact.
Eligibility extends to teams and organisations, but the majority of leadership must remain youth-led, and the nominated applicant must be aged 14–24 with decision-making authority.
How to Apply
Applicants must demonstrate youth leadership, autonomy, and environmental impact. Projects should clearly show how they protect or restore nature and respect the rights of environmental defenders. If collaborating with an organisation or NGO, applicants must ensure that youth leadership is central and that the young person maintains full control over project direction. Minors must have a fiscal sponsor to manage the financial grant. Applications should include project details, leadership information, and evidence of environmental impact.
Why It Matters
The Iris Prize supports the next generation of environmental leaders by providing financial support, recognition, and mentorship. It empowers young people to implement projects that address urgent environmental challenges while fostering skills in leadership, project management, and community engagement. By prioritising youth autonomy, the programme ensures that young voices remain central in decision-making and action.
Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Tips for Applicants: Focus on youth-led decision-making, clearly articulate environmental impact, provide evidence of project feasibility, and ensure collaboration with a fiscal sponsor if required. Common Mistakes: Submitting projects where youth leadership is not central, missing age requirements, or failing to provide clear information on project autonomy and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What age range is eligible? Individuals aged 14–24 can apply, with specific categories varying slightly by prize.
2. Can teams or organisations apply? Yes, as long as the majority of leadership is youth-led and the nominated applicant has decision-making authority.
3. Are minors allowed to apply? Yes, but they must collaborate with a local organisation or NGO acting as a fiscal sponsor.
4. What types of projects are supported? Projects focused on protecting and restoring nature, respecting environmental defenders’ rights, and led by youth.
5. How much funding is available? Grants range from $5,000 for Seed Prize projects to $15,000 for established initiatives under the Iris Prize.
6. Can projects be connected with NGOs? Yes, provided the young leader retains full autonomy and decision-making control.
7. Is youth autonomy required? Yes, projects must be led by young people with genuine control over decisions and project direction.
Conclusion
The Iris Prize 2026 is a transformative opportunity for young environmental leaders to protect and restore nature, gain mentorship and financial support, and showcase innovative projects with local and global impact. By prioritising youth leadership and autonomy, the programme ensures that the next generation of environmental defenders has the resources and recognition to make a lasting difference.
For more information, visit Iris Prize Project.
